Autograph letter from Voltaire to Johann Heinrich Samuel Formey, dated 17 January 1753.
Detailed Summary:
Voltaire opens by stating that tickets are a conversation, asking where Formey got this jeremiad. He adds that he told Formey that he spoke of Louis XIV in an improper manner and that he is wrong, noting that, as he told the King formerly that he was wrong to make a brochure, and wrong to make another. Voltaire then turns to Formey’s enemies, asking who would think of hurting him. He remarks on Formey’s criticism of himself, the King, and deists, adding that none of these would have wished him harm. He concludes by advising Formey to laugh it all off and not to grieve or cry because Madame de Montespan was kind, ending the letter by entreating Formey to be calm.
The date has been added in Formey’s hand and reads: ‘du 17 janv: 53’.
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History
Date:
[17 January 1753]
Ownership:
Owned by P. Langer.
Origin (transcript):
Origin:
Provenance:
Passed at the L’Autographe Ltd sale in London on 30 April 2024 (estimated price: £4,000-£5,000) and the International Autograph Auctions Europe S.L. ‘Autograph letters & manuscripts auction’ in Marbella, Spain on 25 September 2024 (Lot. 0924). Estimated price: €3,500 – €4,500 (https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/185813452_voltaire-1694-1778).